1. Isolation and characterization of novel microorganisms

Recently technological advances now allow an
unprecedented access to “omic” information and a better understanding of
the biology of microorganisms. Since these techniques are optimally
applied when studying isolated stains, it is clear that increasing the
diversity of cultured microorganisms via renewed cultivation efforts and
the development of new culturing techniques to culture novel
microorganisms has a great potential in the discovery of novel
metabolisms, enzymes and bioactive compound. In this spirit we have
developed and maintained a collection of microorganisms containing over
1500 strains from different aquatic environments. Many novel species and
genomes have been (and will continue to be) described and this
information will help increase our understanding of their functional
role in the environment. These novel species are also prime candidates
to the screening of bioactive properties and industrial exploitation.
With the recent transfer of Dr Didier Stien to the LBBM we will be
expanding the collection and to include endophytic fungi and bacteria.